Origin and History of Bodies Actively Discovered in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, also known as the “Mighty Mississippi”, begins at Lake Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends at the Gulf of Mexico. Flowing for nearly 2,350 miles and over 10 states, the Mississippi is known for its size and for its heavily traveled waterways, especially for those that travel by boat.
The number of bodies discovered in the river can be traced back to 1798 when, in response to the deaths of several thousand boatmen per year, the US Congress created the National Shipping Authority and imposed strict regulations on the navigational standards of the Mississippi River. Since then, a variety of deaths and medical conditions have caused the extensive discovery of bodies over the years, including drownings, murders, and diseases.
One of the most recent cases in which a body was discovered in the Mississippi River was in October 2019 when a St. Paul police boat recovered a body that was discovered by University of Minnesota searchers who had been looking for a missing kayaker. This case brought in a lot of attention, as divers and rescuers searched through hazardous river waters in order to recover the body.
Data and Statistics
The number of bodies found in the Mississippi River is not an exact science and varies greatly over time. According to the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company that operated the “morbid” salvage unit, over 10,000 bodies had been discovered in the Mississippi River between 1798 and 1902. This number climbed to over 20,000 by 1917. However, this number is likely much higher, as it does not include the unrecorded bodies discovered before 1798.
The modern day data from the Mississippi River further emphasize the number of bodies discovered in the river. In 2019, investigators discovered at least 21 bodies in the Mississippi River. In 2020, the number dropped to about 15 bodies, but this is still significantly higher than the average of 11 bodies per year from 2006 to 2015. Furthermore, the number is expected to increase due to the effects of climate change, as more and more bodies are expected to be found due to stronger currents, flooding, and extreme weather.
Perspectives From Experts
Due to the large number of bodies found in the Mississippi River, a variety of perspectives from experts have been developed on the matter. For example, Dr. Alexander Gollub, a former Minnesota coroner, said that the number of bodies found in the river is a reflection of the social issues facing America today. He believes that by taking a closer look at the victims and the circumstances surrounding their death, we can gain valuable insight into the challenges that our society is facing.
Futhermore, criminologist Dr. Asa Hummell believes that the high number of bodies found in the Mississippi River is also linked to organized crime. He argues that the anonymity that the Mississippi River provides adds an extra layer of protection for criminals, which allows them to get away with serious crimes with near impunity.
Insights and Analysis
The large number of bodies found in the Mississippi River is concerning and reflects a number of issues facing our society. The criminals that use the Mississippi River for their own purposes are indicative of the lack of accountability that exists within our justice system. It is also concerning that the Mississippi River is so heavily used for recreational activities, as the high number of bodies found in the river could put recreational boaters and swimmers at risk.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the environmental impact that the discovery of these bodies has. As more and more bodies are discovered in the Mississippi River, it is likely that the water quality in the river will decrease and be more polluted. This is concerning, as the Mississippi River is one of the most heavily traveled waterways in the United States.
Efforts to Reduce Unnecessary Deaths
In an effort to reduce deaths and improve safety in the Mississippi River, a variety of initiatives have been implemented. First, the National Shipping Authority has implemented stricter regulations on the navigational standards of the river, which has led to an overall decrease in fatalities in the river.
Furthermore, state governments have increased their efforts to educate the public about water safety and boating safety. A variety of campaigns have been rolled out, educating people on how to stay safe while out on the river and how to practice good swimming habits. Additionally, many states have implemented more stringent health and safety standards and raised awareness of the potential dangers posed by the Mississippi River.
Verdicts of the Unsolved Cases
The large number of bodies found in the Mississippi River has led to a variety of unsolved cases and mysterious deaths. In some cases, investigators are never able to determine the cause of death or identify the bodies, as the river waters quickly erode evidence. As a result, these cases remain unsolved and many families remain without closure.
Fortunately, advances in forensic science have allowed investigators to better identify bodies and determine the cause of death. In addition, state governments have become more vigilant in their investigations and have provided better resources to citizens to help them investigate unsolved cases.
The Cost of Rescuing Bodies
The cost of rescuing bodies from the Mississippi River is significant, and states are forced to spend a large amount of money on recovering the bodies. Rescue teams are often deployed from multiple states and must navigate the hazardous waters of the Mississippi in order to successfully rescue bodies. Additionally, the resources required to identify bodies and investigate the cause of death are expensive.
Despite the cost, many states see the importance of rescuing bodies, as doing so can provide closure to families of the victims, as well as provide insight into what happened to the individual. In addition, by recovering bodies, states are not only able to investigate the cause of death, but also to identify any criminal activity that could have led to the individual’s death.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has had a profound effect on the Mississippi River, and it has significantly impacted the number of bodies that have been discovered in the river. As temperatures increase and flooding becomes more frequent, more bodies are expected to be discovered due to the increased strain on the waterway. Furthermore, the changing climate could cause the river’s currents to become stronger and more dangerous, which could lead to more deaths and recoveries from the Mississippi River.
Climate change has also impacted the number of recreational activities that take place on the Mississippi River. As flooding becomes more frequent, the risk of death and injury increases. This has caused many individuals to be more cautious when partaking in recreational activities in the river, and has led to an overall decrease in the use of the Mississippi River for such activities.
Conclusion
The large number of bodies found in the Mississippi River reflects a number of social and environmental issues facing our society. It is concerning that criminals are able to use the river as a tool to commit their crimes with impunity, and that the changing climate has caused additional danger to arise on the river. Furthermore, the cost of rescuing bodies and investigating their cause of death is significant and is a burden on states across the country. Despite these issues, efforts have been made to reduce deaths and improve safety in the river in order to protect citizens and provide closure to families of victims.
